Should I Go to Sober Living After Drug Rehab?
Those who seek help while struggling with a serious drug or alcohol addiction will typically wind up in an inpatient rehab facility. Inpatient drug rehab will last between one and three months, and will provide newly sober addicts and alcoholics with the structure and support they need to begin down the road to recovery. After an individual completes his or her time in inpatient treatment, it is strongly suggested that he or she transfer directly to a sober living home. Sober living allows those new to recovery the chance to transition back into their day-to-day lives in a way that will not affect their recovery. They will still have more structure than they would have otherwise, as well as a staff of experienced professionals to help guide them in the right direction.
Halfway House After Drug Treatment
Traditionally, the beginning stages of addiction recovery can be broken down into three parts: detox, inpatient rehab, and sober living. Take a closer look at each of the aforementioned stages, and see why each is vital to the overall process.
Detox: Medically monitored detoxification is the first step in the process of addiction treatment. It is absolutely crucial that an individual who has been abusing drugs or alcohol for an extended period of time undergo detox in a designated facility, equipped with all of the medical professionals and medications he or she may need. Attempting to ride out the symptoms of withdrawal at home can be exceedingly dangerous – even fatal, in some circumstances.
Inpatient Rehab: Once an individual has safely and thoroughly detoxed, he or she will transfer to an inpatient treatment facility. Most inpatient facilities are characterized by intensive, therapeutic care, and an in-depth introduction to drug-free living. The length of the stay in inpatient rehab will vary depending on the severity and length of the active addiction, though three months is standard.
Sober Living: Once it has been determined that an individual is ready to phase out of inpatient rehab, he or she will move into a sober living house. A sober living home (also frequently referred to as a ‘halfway house’), helps to reinforce healthy habits, acting almost like a bridge between early recovery and the eventual reintegration back into day-to-day life.
Is Sober Living Right for Me?
It can be extremely difficult to transition from a closely structured environment back into the unpredictability of daily living. In fact, for most newly sober individuals, heading directly home after rehab can prove to be extremely detrimental. Moving into an intermediate, semi-structured, sober environment helps further instill healthy routines and coping mechanisms. Residents are generally able to come and go as they please, though there will be a set of rules in place to help maintain accountability. In most cases, residents will adhere to a curfew, and will be required to attend a designated number of 12-Step meetings every week. Most individuals are encouraged or required to attend an outpatient treatment program while at sober living. Outpatient treatment is simply the continuation of therapeutic care, usually held around 3 days every week for several hours. Those who attend sober living directly after inpatient rehab have a far, far greater chance of maintaining long-term recovery.
Life Change Recovery — Sober Living in Delray Beach
At Life Change Recovery, we believe that sober living is essential to long-term recovery. We provide our residents with the structure and support they need to stay on the right track, and to maintain sobriety for years to come. We provide our residents with transportation to and from 12-step meetings, strictly enforce curfew, and conduct weekly drug tests. We also help our residents apply to and find jobs appropriate for those in early recovery (not bartending, for example). Our team of dedicated professionals – many with long-term sobriety themselves – offer constant guidance and support, making the transition all that much easier. If you or someone you love has recently finished inpatient drug rehab and is looking to take the next step on the road to recovery, please feel free to contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
